Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley came face to face for the final time on Friday afternoon, completing their weigh-in and media duties ahead of Saturday night’s heavyweight clash at London’s O2 Arena.
Parker and Wardley top the bill on Saturday’s Queensberry Promotions card at the O2, where the New Zealander will defend his interim WBO heavyweight crown against the WBA interim champion.
Parker weighed in at 262.4 lbs, while Wardley topped the scales at 242.7 lbs ahead of the highly anticipated eliminator bout that will earn them at a shot at Oleksandr Usyk next.
Parker looked noticeably bigger on the scales – having weighed in at 245.3 lbs for Deontay Wilder and 247.6 lbs for Zhileli Zhang.
However, he was lighter than when he weighed in for the demolition job he did on Martin Bakole – tipping the scales at 267 lbs for that bout.
Meanwhile, Wardley weighed in a fraction lighter than his last encounter – having tipped the scales at 243 lbs for Justis Huni.
Both men were as composed and respectful as ever on stage, but the final face-off made clear the intensity behind the civility.
Parker, calm but cold-eyed, reiterated his vow to ‘smash’ Wardley when the first bell rings, while Wardley, unflinching, reminded reporters that he has been underestimated before and relishes proving people wrong.
Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley weigh in ahead of Saturday’s bout at The O2 Arena
Parker and Wardley top the bill on Saturday’s Queensberry Promotions card at the O2, where the New Zealander will defend his interim WBO crown against the WBA interim champion
Usyk pictured celebrating holding the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO belts after beating Dubois in their heavyweight rematch at Wembley Stadium on July 19
Throughout fight week, the contrast in approach has been clear. Wardley has lingered after each media event, obliging interviews and cameras with an ease that belies the occasion. Parker, by contrast, has been quick to exit, skipping post-event chatter in favour of quiet preparation behind closed doors.
Despite the mutual respect, there was real intent in their brief stare-down. Those watching from the crowd noticed the sharp silence that underlined what’s at stake beyond the belts.
Victory for either fighter will secure mandatory challenger status for the WBO title currently held by Usyk, who also reigns as the unified and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion.
Under the governing bodies’ system, the WBO is next in line to call a mandatory defence. That order was originally issued in July, but plans were pushed back following Usyk’s back injury.
There had been speculation that Usyk might vacate his titles to pursue a third fight with Anthony Joshua or a showdown with Tyson Fury. However, promoter Frank Warren appears to have dismissed those suggestions.
Usyk is expected to return to action in the first half of 2026, and the Parker–Wardley winner now appears poised to be first in line for a shot at the undisputed champion when he steps back into the ring.
